***Tinguians
are wild remnants of Ilocanos. Two
general groupings exist: the valley Tinggian of the lower reaches of Abra
province, who cultivate wet rice and maintain a concentrated and homogenous
population; and the mountain Tinggian who rely on dry cultivation and root
crops, and are much more sparse of population. They differ from all
other Philippine groups in their taste for dressing in white; the women are
known also for their extensive and heavily beaded lower arm ornaments. The
political unit is the village, at the head of which is an elderly lakay
assisted by a council of other elders.

>>>Among the most popular
of Tinguian songs are the rice-pounding songs. Ceremonial occasions such as
wedding, funerals, and anniversaries require that rice be pounded until they are
well polished. The rice pounders, commonly women and young maids, sing these
songs in rhythm to the pounding of rice.